Puttin' on the Ritz

Sexy packaging sells. 

Nope, by the Ritz title, I'm not talking about round crackers in a red box. I'm starting a new weekly blog post reporting on a luxury item or experience--as much to lift my spirits as yours. [Ideas welcome.] Today I spent more time than I would have liked crying again to Moey and Sis over my Dad, and even talking long-distance a bit to H., Figgy and others about it. He is eating very little and getting very frail. But, but--in the midst of all that, I found a dollop of luxury.

Oribe Signature Moisture Masque [Masque Hydratant Signature]

Price*: 5.9-ounce jar, $59 at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod99570081&parentId=cat23290734. So about $10 per ounce.

Looks: The sleek black jar is sexy and beautiful. Looks good on granite bathroom counter. Reminds you that you're taking care of yourself. Transports me back to my mother's Arpège and My Sin bottles, dark and mysterious on her mirrored perfume tray.

Package Copy: A super-rich indulgence--for you and your hair. This crème de la crème deep hydrating masque transforms even the driest, most over-it hair, leaving it supremely soft and irresistibly touchable. Thick hair may splurge daily; others will love as a weekly soak. Massage, indulge (for as long as you want), rinse. Paraben free. UV Protection for hair. This box sourced from well-managed forests.

Intriguing Ingredients+: Sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, glycerin, sunflower seed extract, keratin, lychee extract, watermelon extract, edelweiss flower/extract, amber extract, rice protein, jojoba protein, wheat protein, castor oil. [Yes, that is edelweiss, as in the Sound of Music song.]

My Vote: Yes, if you can afford it, buy it. [But go to a site like Neiman Marcus, linked above, where at least right now, it's free shipping at any price.] I shampooed and rinsed, then combed this through and left in while I finished showering. Then, rinsed off and sealed with final cool rinse. Maybe part of it is in my head, but I think my hair looks softer, sexier and smells good. The curls took shape in a more alluring way. I think I can get at least 7 treatments from the jar. Next time I take a nice long bath, I'm puttin' on the Ritz--and the hair masque--before I step into the tub.

Here's what the elegant black jar evokes for me.

*Disclaimer: As a freelance writer, part of my job is calling in beauty samples to test--not only because I love to try luxe pampering products but also because I can write much more clearly and descriptively about a brand after I've seen its packaging, smelled and felt the potion, and tried it. I don't want to lie and tell readers to try something before I have. I requested a sample of this masque for an article about post-summer beauty treatments.
+Very long list of complicated names. You need a magnifying glass. These are the ingredients that a.) I recognize and b.) sound appealing.